1. Beta radiation may travel meters in air and is moderately
penetrating.

2. Beta radiation can penetrate human skin to the
"germinal layer," where new skin cells are produced. If beta-emitting
contaminants are allowed to remain on the skin for a prolonged period of time, they may
cause skin injury.

3. Beta-emitting contaminants may be harmful if deposited
internally.

4. Most beta emitters can be detected with a survey
instrument (such as a CD V-700, provided the metal probe cover is open). Some beta
emitters, however, produce very low energy, poorly penetrating radiation that may be
difficult or impossible to detect. Examples of these are carbon-14, tritium, and
sulfur-35.

5. Beta radiation cannot be detected with an ionization
chamber such as a CD V-715.

6. Clothing and turnout gear provide some protection against
most beta radiation. Turnout gear and dry clothing can keep beta emitters off of the skin.